Vietnam to Laos

Testimonials

David Mercer, Oldham, England, UK

This was the first organised trip I have been on. All my previous trips have been self organised. However, overall, this was a superb trip and I really enjoyed it.I think the success of a trip depends mainly on how good the guiding team are and how well you get on with the other trip members. On this trip the guiding teams were excellent and the other trip members were really friendly and we got on really well. This was a tough trip, with most days being 50+ and 60+ miles, with many long hills to climb and I think using a hybrid bike would have been much better. We would often set off riding at 7:30am and finish around 4:30pm/5:00pm, so they were long days.The guide team of Fon and Ping were excellent as well. Fon was probably more keen on discussing safety on the road and keeping in touch with each rider along the way. He was a very personable and likeable young guy. So overall, for me, it was a tough trip, but brilliant, 11 riding days, 577 miles, 53hrs 14mins riding and 67163 ft of ascent. The countries were great. I’ve been to Laos and Luang Prabang twice before, 11 and 12 years ago, so it was great to be there again. Laos is quieter and more laid back than noisy, busy N.Vietnam. The scenery of both countries is generally mountainous and green and the people everywhere were friendly with many children running out to call to us.

Dave Clemmett, Manchester, England, UK

This is my 4th red spokes trip and I have loved every one.Great organisation and attention to individuals.Lovely people and fantastic scenery.It is the way to see a country and learn both about abroad but also about home. Would recommend and do recommend to people. The support from Bryony and the office is second to none. THANK YOU I LOVE RED SPOKES

Andy Pitts, Manchester, England, UK

I had a tremendous time. Tough cycling, great views, wild moped rides in Hanoi, great sense of achievement, great company, lots of laughs, beer, chopsticks. My brain is in overdrive mode. Memories to last a lifetime. Possibly the friendliest people in the world live in Vietnam. Phong brought his family on the trip and this made it even better. They made us feel very welcome and seemed to enjoy themselves too even though they were working. Have come back fitter in mind, body and soul and need to buy smaller clothes. I just had the best time! Back to work tomorrow. Accommodation was better than I was expecting but this was very welcome after a long day. Organisation and ease of getting replies to information from London end was also really well done! Thanks very much!

Steven Fort, County Durham, England, UK

An astonishing journey with amazing experiences waiting around every turn. The redspokes guides are always there to help and encourage you and you feel a great sense of achievement at the end of each day.

Memories to last a lifetime. Many thanks.

Jen Parsons, Cheshire, England

I would like to say a huge thank you to David and his team(s) for a fantastic trip. Cycling was a great way to experience the real Vietnam and Laos, and we're missing it now that we're off the bikes! This trip formed part of a 4-month tour for us, and has been the highlight so far, great scenery, wonderful company, some great photography, and of course, good Lao Lao!

Eddie Brocklesby, London, England, UK

Didn't think the last great trip in Vietnam could possibly be improved upon, but it was! Helped by David's consistently excellent group leadership qualities, the geographic and community delights of Laos, great biking, breaks and evening meals, Bier Lau and Lau Lau, and an amazingly cohesive, supportive and positive group. The kayaking was a brilliant addition - albeit mortifying to skull through the backpacking riverside nightmare near Vang Vieng. Thanks to all

John Beckley, London, England, UK

This was my third holiday with redspokes and just as good as the two previous ones. The holidays feel like real adventures (you get a long way off the beaten path) but the organisation is superb. Each holiday has given an opportunity to get to know local people and understand a bit more about local cultures.

The cycling is fantastic, but stopping, looking and talking are just as important. I cannot rate redspokes holidays highly enough.

Chris Morfas, California, USA

This was the bike tour of a lifetime (so far). I say "so far" because the pleasures provided by this tour have inspired this Yank to consider even more adventurous outings! redspokes did a great job feeding and housing us and moving us along through many kilometers of challenging roads and terrain in Vietnam and Laos.

The other riders in the group were jolly fine chaps and lassies. Tour leader Dave is a fountain of wisdom, enthusiasm and energy. redspokes' UK staff was very helpful with pre-tour arrangements.

Cathy McCartney, New Zealand

Vietnam and Lao was made amazing by David, Phong and Dao Lit by their ability to relate to me as an individual. My view of this is that each of them addressed the individual needs of each participant on the trip. David personally discussed with me very early on what it was I was seeking. I talked to David about why I had come on the trip and we worked out a plan to accommodate my needs as an individual trip participant and the needs of everyone else.

The big things for me were scenery - what will I see? experience? smell? participate in? how does each local community operate? what is important? How many water buffalo? why do you need these water buffalo? what do you get for each water buffalo? Children what happens - what is the rhythm and plans for the emerging country? where are they? where are the schools? medical? what happens when why and how??| and then cycling - that was pretty obvious!!!. They met the view I had before I left and then some instead of me feeling like I had gone on a bulk buy trip.

The situations in each country were vastly different. David, Phong and Dao Lit adjusted the trip to accommodate. The recognition of cultural differences was extremely important and those needs were met. Thanks to David, Phong and Dao Lit the individual attention of each of these extremely unique people made this an incredible journey, Ka kete ano.

Alden Cadwell, Vermont, US

redspokes is a terrific tour company. Our trip through Laos and Vietnam was inspired. A trip leader has to make dozens of decisions every day to accommodate his clients. In the course of our 21-day trip, our redspokes guide, David Walker, never made a bad one. He was unfailingly well-informed, resourceful and fun to hang out with. In addition, the itinerary redspokes chose was spot on, taking us through gorgeous and bike-friendly corners of Vietnam and Laos. I don't regret a single kilometer. Plus, every meal we shared was delicious... and, for the record, there is no post-ride recovery drink like a Beerlao.